The Principal's Desk
Dear parents, families and friends,
Welcome back to Term 2. As I write this edition of the newsletter I am in Hobart attending a formation program for principals in the Western Zone called 'Sacred Land: Exploring an Australian Spirituality. Over the past 5 days we visited sites of historical and spiritual importance and significance to the Aboriginal people of Tasmania. On Sunday night we went to the Longhouse in Hobart for dinner. We experienced a traditional dance performance as part of the Welcome to Country that included a Smoking Ceremony. We then enjoyed an array of cultural seasonal bush foods.
Monday began early as we travelled up kunanyi/Mt Wellington. We met with Luke Mabb, a cultural knowledge holder whoe lead us on a treck through the forest and explained the importance and connection of country for the Aboriginal People. After this we went to piyura kitina/Risdon Cove for a Cultural Food Experience and tour. Risdon Cove is the site of the first recorded massacre of Aboriginal people in Van Diemen's Land.
On Tuesday we visited the Fanny Cochrane Smith (Grandmother Smith) Church at Nicholls Rivulet. We were meet there by Uncle Rodney Dillon, one of Grandmother Smith's descendants. Rodney yarned to us about the story of the place, the importance of Grandmother Smith and her connection with Truganini. Uncle Rodney about the struggles of Aboriginal people from the earliest days of Colonisation in Tasmania. From here we went to putalina at Oyster Cove. The site is now Aboriginal land, but was the site where Aboriginal paople were held in captivity during the 1800s.
Wednesday was a big day. We departed by 8am to go to wukaluwikiwayna/Maria Island. The day was cold and very wet, but this did not deter us from hiking around the Island and following in the footsteps of the Aboriginal people who lived upon that land for more than 40,000 years. Luke Mabb again joined us and yarned to us about how the Aboriginal people lived on the land and about their deep connection to country.
On Thursday we went to Bruny Island and were welcomed to Murrayfield Farm, run by Aboriginal Organisation, Weetapoona, by Uncle Rodney and his daughter Bron. Murrayfield is used to train Aboriginal people from around the country to learn all aspects of sheep handling including shearing. It is also used for Aboriginal people to practice culture on country.
Not only has this conference allowed me to experience one of the most beautiful and spectacular parts of Australia, it has allowed me to come to a deeper understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal/First Nation culture and history. It has also confirmed my belief about voting YES in the 2023 Referendum to recognise the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the constitution and establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
RESPECT
Last week at assembly I spoke about RESPECT. There are many ways we can show respect and be respectful to others:
- Using our manners - please, thank you, excuse me, sorry, pardon
- Encouraging others to have a go, do their best and achieve their best
- Accepting others for who they are and appreciating that we are all different
- Not teasing and making fun of others for the way they look, dress, talk or the things they like to do
- Taking care of the things in our school and not forgetting to pack up
- Keeping our school environment clean by putting rubbish in the bin
Unfortunately, sometimes we forget to be respectful to others.
2024 ENROLMENTS
We are taking enrolment for the 2024 school year. If you have a child that will begin Prep next year, please come and collect an enrolment from from the office. If you know of any families in the area that are looking at schools for next year, please let them know about the wonderful community of St Augustine's.
SCHOOL ABSENCES
If you know that your child will be absent or has an appointment, please email your child's class teacher, as well as the office email: office@sayarraville.catholic.edu.au
SCHOOL UNIFORM SHOP
The Uniform shop is open Fridays 8:30 am - 9:00 am. All items are $5.00.
Bucket hats can now be ordered from Academy Uniforms $20 each
https://academyuniforms.com.au/
Over time we will slowly phase out the legionaires hat so that the bucket hat will become our school hat.
NCCD (Nationally Consistent Collection of Data)
Please read the attached letter below which explains which explains the purpose of the collection of data for students requiring adjustments to be made to support them in their learning and engagement at school.
LUNCH ORDERS - Wednesday & Friday
Wednesday: Classroom Cuisine
Friday: Beaver's Tail
Please read each page of the newsletter as each one contains important or interesting information and updates.
Kind regards,
Matthew Stead